Federal Member for Chifley, Ed Husic met with a visiting Philippine delegation during the 3rd Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting.
Mr Husic warmly greeted the Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Albert del Rosario and Secretary of Trade and Industry, the Hon. Gregory Domingo when they sat down for lunch.
Lunch was hosted by the Foreign Minister, Hon. Kevin Rudd and the Trade Minister, Hon. Craig Emerson.
Mr Husic said he was delighted he had the chance to meet with the Philippine delegation and let them know of his admiration for the contributions being made by Australians from a Filipino background.
“I was happy to tell them how Filipino-Australians are model citizens, characterised by their industry, hard work, community spirit and warmth,” said Mr Husic.
“I also had an opportunity to relay to Secretaries Rosario and Domingo the concerns of local Filipino-Australians — including the desire of local Filipinos to have bananas imported from the Philippines.”
The purpose of the Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting is to advance the shared strategic interests of both nations for further cooperation in defence, security, economic and development issues, among other matters.
2011 marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and the Philippines.